Angle of Attack Modulation for Mars Entry Terminal State Optimization

摘要: From the perspective of atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL), one most foreboding destinations in solar system is Mars due part to its exceedingly thin atmosphere. To benchmark best possible scenarios for evaluation potential EDL designs, a study conducted optimize entry-to-terminal-state portion variety entry velocities vehicle masses, focusing on identification benefits enabling angle attack modulation. The terminal state envisioned as appropriate initiation descent via parachute or other means. A particle swarm optimizer varies flight path angle, ten bank profile points, points find maximum-final-altitude trajectories 10 30 m ellipsled at 180 different combinations values mass, velocity, Mach number, minimum allowable altitude. Parametric plots maximum achievable altitude are shown, examples optimized trajectories. It shown that appreciable gains (2.5-4.0 km) over pure control may be if modulation enabled vehicles. Gains this magnitude could prove missions requiring high-altitude sites. Conclusions also drawn regarding trends profiles produce optimal study, directions future work identified.